Top 5 Warning Signs You Need a Mental Health Day

Do you need a mental health day? Not sure? Well let’s find out together with another Wellness 101!

When you have a cough, nausea or the sniffles, it’s pretty easy to know whether you need to take a sick day or not…but when it comes to your mental health, the signs may not be as clear. Maintaining positive mental health is essential to determining how we handle stress, make healthy choices, and relate to others. If you’re feeling overloaded from long hours at work, consumed by personal struggles at home, or overwhelmed with depression and anxiety…it may be time to take a day from your everyday responsibilities to care for yourself. So here are the Top 5 Warning Signs You Need to Take a Mental Health Day.

Warning One: Lack of Focus

Do you find yourself in a mental fog for most of the day that makes it hard to focus on even the most trivial tasks at work? If you feel like you are daydreaming more than you are working…some R&R could be in order. Try reading your favorite book, binge watching your favorite show, or relaxing with the family pet to relive some of that fogginess.

Warning Two: Constantly Sick

Do you find yourself repeatedly getting sick? Do you have difficulty shaking a cold in where it feels like it takes weeks to recover? Do you suffer from headaches all the time? This is your body’s way of telling you, you need to slow down and get some rest! So, listen to your body and take a break!

Warning Three: Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping is a vicious cycle and can negatively impact your mental health! The sad part is, it’s your mental health problems, that are causing your sleep problems…and the less sleep you get, the more mental challenges you will run into! If you’re not sleeping well…take a day off to rest and recharge your batteries!

Warning Four: On Edge

If you find that even the smallest or silliest of things are setting you off and making you feel more irritable than normal…it may be time to take a day for yourself. Sometimes all you need is a little alone time to put things back in perspective.

Warning Five: Increased Alcohol Use

Many folks turn to alcohol when they are feeling stressed and overwhelmed to escape the pressures of everyday life. A drink once in a while is of little concern…but if you find yourself NEEDING a few drinks at the end of the day or you’ve noticed your drinking a lot more than normal…this is a red flag that you need a break and that some other stress management skills may be needed.


Folks…we need to start taking our mental health more seriously. If you’re experiencing one or more of these warning signs…you may want to consider taking a day for yourself. Obviously…be realistic, don’t take a day if you have a big presentation or something like that but remember…taking care of yourself in the short term should make you healthier, calmer, and a more reliable employee in the long term. Don’t forget to smash that like button, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and share to all who need a mental health day and may not know it! Until next time this is Mr. Wellness saying be well and follow the steps to a healthier you!